Leah Hacker

Accomplice began in 2015 when Benjamin McCraw and his business partner, Tyler Guidry, combined their experience working with large and small studios to create one of their own. They redefined the business model between client + agency to focus on outcomes and integrated data/strategy to the design process—reimagining how companies think about their consumer experience. Leah was a part of the Accomplice team before day one, bringing a background of business analytics and psychology to the table. She was commissioned to build a research and strategy team that serves cross-functional goals for their clients. As Head of Research at Accomplice, Leah reaches into consumer and market insight, user experience, and predictive analytics to provide a cross-functional strategy for product, business, and growth.

What is your business? We design digital products for large and small companies alike. We differentiate ourselves with a focus on true research and strategy. Design is the outcome, but a sound strategy is the value.

Who are your clients? We’ve worked with companies like Honda, Goldman Sachs, Hotel Tonight, Amazon Web Services, Marriott, Accenture, and many others.

What are some business wins? Hands-down our team. We’ve grown a loyal and talented team and are very proud of our culture.

What are your short-term goals? Finish the build-out of our new offices and develop a few more long-term client relationships in 2018.

Why did you join a startup? After nearly 10 years in the research space, I became accustomed to reports being relegated to the shelf and never implemented. I knew we could do better. With today’s connected consumer and marketplace, companies no longer have the option of innovating in silos. At Accomplice we don’t just conduct research, our research is used to create, innovate, and grow– as it should be.

How has Catapult helped you? Catapult provides a great space to work around an encouraging community with like-minded individuals. It’s a great working space for both myself and when my Austin team comes to the area.

Why Lakeland? Actually, a handful of our employees in the Austin offices are all from Lakeland. I myself am a long-time Lakelander. We love how our hometown has grown in recent years.

What is your Secret Sauce? Be willing to personally do anything you would ask your employees to do. Don’t be afraid to say no. Standing up for principles even when it costs you an easy profit.